PLANNING FOR COASTAL COMMUNITY CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION: AN ECOSYSTEMS-BASED APPROACH

Abstract

Adaptation to climate change is seen as the immediate response of people anywhere in the world. However, there is still a problem in its implementation as no solution fits all problems. Coastal communities’ vulnerable situation is not exempted from climate change impacts, but the fact that it has numerous ecosystems provide basic life support. Thus, this paper is guided by the following objectives 1) determine ecosystems and socioeconomic sectors reliant and dependent on strategies and policies of coastal communities; and 2) examine the current adaptation strategies and activities. Focus group discussions among key officials and document analysis were carried on. After a rigorous examination, it was discovered that coastal communities are reliant on fishery and water resources ecosystem services. In this regard, adaptation options are geared toward the protection of these services to continually provide to local communities. Alternative livelihoods are also seen as a long-term response to climate change adaptation apart from policy and ordinances to protect and conserve the ecosystems. Keywords: Climate Change Adaptation, Ecosystem Services, Adaptation Strategies, Climate Environmental Protection Laws And Policies, Coastal Communities.